Thank you for taking time to visit, and I hope I am even a tiny bit helpful as I have been helped and blessed by so many others. I have been doing Calligraphy since teens, and card making for many years as well. In 1990 I delighted in the joys of stamping with ink and embossing after a trip to Cairns, Qld. In 2009 I discovered the brayer, 2010 the Cuttlebug, also have now taking to reading up on crafting blogs and lo! Here I am, on one of my own.

I live on the coast of eastern Australia. I am a Christian. I trusted in the LORD down here at the beach, amazingly it is not far from where I now live. It was over 40 years ago, after a Beach Mission Service at the age of 12 years

To the Smiles, I showed some of these on my WOYWW post and folks seemed to think the orchids, etc were mine .. but these are all taken in my friend's garden - Elaine and Mal, who is the one who grows the orchids. I have notated these but must point out these are my guesses so any experts I am happy to correct their names.

Common spotted orchid .. I think? Elaine said it was an orchid this was best name I could find.

Most of these are Cymbidiums except for the very large white flower below which I think is a Cattleya. Isn't God's creation just marvellous .. yes, truly a marvel!

Now my entries for Scrappy Mo's Christmas challenge. I have six cards but of course we can only have one entry. Lots of snippets were used here .. and yes some made too :D
Mostly was just using ink dusters, masks and inks .. started over on this post here. The first card was a real snippet the verse was cut in another die .. but crookedly and couldn't waste it so re-cut in SB deckle ovals.

These cards are all made with one stamp. I really love this stamp. It is great verse and also love the way it is done ie layout of verse. I like the Christ of Christmas to be front and centre of my Christmas cards. I love to point the way to Christ who is my Saviour and Friend, and this verse does it well.

May
the LORD richly bless you and those you love today and in the week
ahead that the LORD has given. If you are struggling with burdens or
cares, take to them to the One Who understands - like no-one else! For
in Him we find Strength, Peace and Rest; freely given to all who call
upon Him.

Love and prayer for each of you dear ones out there. You are such a blessing to me,

Shaz in Oz.x

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever."Psalm 73: 25,26

Things are pretty full on here so this is a scheduled post and will link over when time permits.1. Rudolph day challenge over at Scrappy Mo's

25 comments:

Hi Sharon, Loved seeing these gorgeous orchids. Your friend definitely has a very green thumb! TFS the pics. And what an array of lovely cards with this marvelous verse. All are beautiful, but I really like the ones with the gold trims and the center sponging. Lovely with the ovals and embossed too. This verse represents what the season truly means, & always one of my favs. TFS & have a great weekend. Hugs

Hello my friend! Those are beautiful flowers....but the cards are amazing. I love that verse. I'm am ever so grateful that "the child was born". He means everything to me. Thank you for sharing.Blessings,Betsy

Oh Shaz those orchids are truly a reflection of our awesome God! Love the verse on your beautiful cards!!The verses from the Psalms you quoted are what I was given to read in church this morning - I think I may be needing to listen...BlessingsMaxine

Your neighbour's orchids are stunning! I LOVE these plants and we were fortunate enough to have visited the Eric Young foundation in Jersey, gold medal winners at the Chelsea Flower Show, London. Of course these plants are an amazing creations defying evolutionary thinking! Yourcards are beautiful and yes that is one of my 'ear marked' stamps! I guess I had better think about making my Christmas cards......

Beautiful cards Shaz and the true meaning of Christmas. Your orchids are really lovely. Thank you for dropping by earlier. Glad to be back catching up with what all my crafting buddies have been up to while I've been out of action. Hugs, Barbxx

I can't decide what to mention first, the flowers or the cards. Both are just stunning. Your friend's flowers are so colorful and beautiful. I wish I had a green thumb and not a yard of hard baked clay. These cards are wonderful. The stamp is so perfect for a Christmas card and you made some great cards with it. I love the embossing folder and circle that shows off the stamp.

Beautiful orchids - wow, they look amazing. I currently have a rock orchid in flower - lots of tiny yellow flowers massed on each stem but I don't know the actual orchid's correct name. My late father first had it in the early 50s & I inherited it after he passed away nearly 20 years ago. I also inherited a smaller orchid with very fragrant & tiny purpley-pink flowers - have no idea what it is called either.

Gorgeous cards too - I love them. I must get a crack on with making some Christmas cards :-)

Illuminated Calligraphy - Who or What is a Christian?

VERY WONDERFUL ENCOURAGERS! If you kindly join this blog please leave a comment so I can join yours

Where I live.

My name is Shaz and I am a former schoolteacher. I have found, like many others, that crafts are very therapeutic in times of "un-wellness". I thought this blog was one way of recording these my crafty ideas for myself and others.You are welcome to use any tips gleaned as long as it done in a respectful way, and not direct transfer for any gain. I have appreciated the help from others' sites and hope I may in turn re-pay this kindness.

IO - Impression Obsessions die.LOTV - Lili Of The Valley productsNesties - Spellbinder NestabilitiesNBUS - Never Before Used Schtuff (aka Darnell of DJKardKreations)MFT - My Favorite ThingsPP - PanPastelsSandwich -Plates (A, B, or C), Rubber mat, or Shims used with Cuttlebug machine in order to cut and emboss or both.Shim - a piece of cardstock, size of Cuttlebug plate, used to get right thickness to pass the folders, die etc through the Cuttlebug.